Rep. Dan Reitz

Amends the Property Tax Code and the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Enforcement Act. Provides that any moneys accumulated in the special fund for the payment of interest by the county treasurer in excess of $100,000 (now, $500,000) must be paid each year prior to the commencement of the annual tax sale, first to satisfy any existing unpaid judgments, and any funds remaining thereafter must be paid to the general fund of the county. Effective immediately.

Amends the Agricultural Fair Act. Removes the requirement that a county fair must notify the Department of Agriculture before making insurance and rehabilitation expenditures for which the fair intends to seek reimbursement from the Department. Increases the ceiling on the use of those reimbursements for liability and casualty insurance. Changes the procedures for disbursements to 4-H groups. Places agricultural education section fairs under the supervision of the Illinois Association of Vocational Agricultural Teachers. Makes other changes.

Amends the Older Adult Services Act. Provides that no later than January 1, 2006 and every January 1 thereafter, the Department on Aging and the Illinois Housing Development Authority shall file with the Governor and the General Assembly a plan that establishes goals for the number of affordable housing units to be made available to the frail elderly in the next fiscal year. Requires that the plan: (i) detail the number of new units of housing to be created, the number of units made accessible through rehabilitation and renovation, and the number of new supportive living units to be created and certified; and (ii) include recommendations for statutory or policy changes needed to reduce barriers to the establishment of affordable housing units for the frail elderly. Effective immediately.

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the State Finance Act. Creates the Vince Demuzio Memorial Colon Cancer Research Fund and provides that, from appropriations from the Fund, the Department of Public Health must make grants to public or private entities in Illinois for the purpose of funding research applicable to colon cancer patients. Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act to create a tax checkoff for the Fund.

Amends the Hazardous Material Emergency Response Reimbursement Act. Adds to the definition of "emergency response agency" a non-governmental organization that provides emergency services. Includes in the list of services provided by an "emergency response agency", mass care or assistance provided to displaced persons.

Amends the Illinois Pesticide Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2005, any pesticide dealer selling non-restricted use pesticides for use in the production of an agricultural commodity in containers with a capacity of 2.5 gallons or greater or 10 pounds or greater must register with the Department on forms provided by the Director. Effective immediately.

Amends the Soybean Marketing Act. Adds 6 at large members to the soybean marketing program operating board of directors. Provides for their election by producers at annual meetings from nominees selected by the operating board.

Amends the Mobile Home Local Services Tax Enforcement Act. With respect to the notice for application of judgment and sale of tax-delinquent mobile homes, removes the requirement that the notice include the mobile home park where the mobile home is sited, if known, the model year of the home, and the square footage of the home. Provides that the vehicle identification number of the mobile home must be listed only if known. Effective immediately.

Amends the Older Adult Services Act. Provides that the Director of Aging, in collaboration with the Directors of Public Health and Public Aid, may appoint additional citizen members to the Older Adult Services Advisory Committee. Provides that each such additional member must be either an individual age 60 or older or an uncompensated caregiver for a family member or friend who is age 60 or older. Effective immediately.

Amends the Fish and Aquatic Life Code and the Wildlife Code. Defines "resident" to require permanent abode in this State rather than actual residency. Requires domiciliary intent. Amends the Wildlife Code. Authorizes open deer season to be set between September 1 and February 15 (now no more than 14 days between November 1 and December 31). Provides that legal handguns need not be centerfire. Increases deer hunting fees. Authorizes DNR to set fees for processing and handling of applications and provides for the deposit and use of receipts. Amends the State Finance Act to create a special fund. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.